Payables Specialist

We’re looking for an SEI Payables Specialist will report to the Manager of SEI Payables and be responsible for assisting the manager in ensuring effective and efficient daily operations of the department, proper internal controls, and approving expense reimbursements. In this role, you will research and resolve accounts payable issues with campus and external representatives.  You will also assist in oversight of day-to-day operations of the payables team.  You are inquisitive with a customer service focus that will play a key role in implementing new SEI and university initiatives.  Your communication skills will ensure the SEI is well trained and informed.

Minimum Requirements: 

• High school diploma and equivalent, related experience or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Strong analytical, reasoning and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP accounting principles
• Experience with enterprise-wide financial systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting and discussing interpretive reports

What you’ll do: 

• Perform all accounts payable functions, including but not limited to data entry, research and payment of supplier invoices, processing credit memos and supplier checks received, and support customers via inquires sent to the SEI AP inbox
• Process payments for SEI for supplier invoices and expense reports while ensuring sufficient audit documentation is in place
• Assist with preparing and providing documentation for the internal and external auditors
• Oversee maintenance of record retention and monthly AP close and expense reports
• Work with SEI divisions and vendors on invoice and payment issues as they occur.
• Assist with the interpretation, preparation, and documentation of AP, travel and expense policies as the apply to the SEI
• Oversee and manage the administration of the SEI travel and business expense function for each program area assigned
• Review and approve estimated trip costs prior to trip to ensure all contract and policy requirements are being followed, including, but not limited to application of CMU policy, FAR requirements, JTR regulations and the SEI’s federal contract. 
• Research and make recommendations regarding policy exceptions, then use this knowledge to review and document procedures with the goal of continuous improvement to efficiency, accuracy and SEI wide knowledge.
• Develop training resources and conduct training sessions for SEI employees on systems, policies, processes, procedures, and government requirements, including new hire orientations, business systems training for support staff, and open forum presentations for all SEI personnel.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations governing payment to vendors and staff members (e.g., 1099 laws, escheatment, FAR, Uniform Guidance, JTF, CMU BTE)
• Partner with campus staff, including academic and divisional leadership, to support system improvements and daily operations in the travel, business expense and payables fields
• Other projects/duties as assigned to support the department

Who you are: 

• Motivated – you work independently in a deadline driven environment with the knowledge and awareness to escalate issues when necessary
• Organized – you remain calm during difficult situations while prioritizing and executing rapid and effective responses to changing requirements
• Collaborative - work closely with all levels of personnel up to and including senior management
• Effective communicator - strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal

Desired Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years accounts payable/expense reimbursement experience
• Prior experience in higher education and/or federal contracting is strongly preferred

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Business Administration and Services

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance